Marina Erakovic struggles through in Quebec

New Zealand's Marina Erakovic survived the loss of the first set to advance safely through to the second round of Quebec's Challenge Bell tennis tournament today.

Erakovic, the world No 68, shook off a strong start from American Mallory Burdette to prevail 5-7, 7-6 (4), 6-3 and earn a second-round matchup against the winner of the clash between Eleni Daniilidou and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

Erakovic, fresh off a disappointing first-round exit at the US Open, took just over two and a-half hours to despatch the American, ranked 122 in the world.

Burdette got away to a strong start when she secured the only service break of the opening set, but Erakovic levelled when she played a strong tie-break (7-4) at the end of a second set that featured two service breaks apiece.

The New Zealander, who served strongly throughout, then picked up the only service break of the deciding set to make it safely through to the next round.

Erakovic served 15 aces to two, though balanced that a little by throwing in seven double-faults. But the Kiwi was dominant on her first ball (wining 81 percent of the points) and played the big points well to save five of the eight break points she faced.

The New Zealander is having another solid year on the WTA circuit, with $500,179 in prize-money, her first singles title (at Memphis) and a 23-19 win-loss record.